A great freedom fighter, Veteran Gandhian, Philosopher and litterateur, V.S.Page was the Ex. Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1960-78. Being centenary celebrated by V.S.Page Committee, a commemorative stamp was released as a token on his 100th birthday today.
Prior to that Union Minister of States for Communications and Information Technology, Sachin Pilot made the inaugural speech a brief history on Page. Present on this occasion were, Union Science and Technology Minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Union Coal Minister, Pratik Patil, Union MoS for Communications and Information Technology, Milind Deora, Chairman, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Dilip Walse Patil, Forest, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Patangrao Kadam, Higher and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Tope and Medical Education, Higher and Technical Minister of State, D.P.Sawant.
Expressing her gratitude towards V.S.Page, the President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, said that his oratory skill and valuable contributions as a senior leader in various fields of public life during his career left an indelible mark on the minds of youthful leadership during that time including me. He was a great philosopher, thinker and litterateur. His sustained campaign for employment guarantee as a fundamental right persuaded the Maharashtra Government to finally enact the Employment Guarantee Act in Maharashtra in 1977.
Later, this scheme was adopted by the Central Governments to become MNREGA today. Page was a deeply religious and spiritual person. He authored book in Marathi and English mainly on philosophical and religious subjects, said the President. His valuable contribution for banning of liquor in those times is still valid today. His illustrious contribution during the extra ordinary circumstances of the severe drought in Maharashtra from 1970-73 will always be remembered said the President.